Centre grants Rs 350 cr to boost Andaman maritime security
10 Dec 2014 12:57 AM GMT
Doval has already had a meeting with the officials of Coast Guard and Navy in the national capital to exchange information on how to strengthen the maritime security. Sources said, after his return from Andaman, the NSA Chief will make a presentation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the security proposals considering the environmental issues. Sources said that Doval’s visit has been planned following the ‘concern’ prime minister has over of the ‘worrying’ defense facilities at Landfall Island.
Landfall Island is of great strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Malacca Straits, which is the gateway to international trade and commerce in South East Asia. As per statistic over 60,000 ships use the Malacca Straits annually both ways carrying critical energy products and also other items for trade and commerce.
“This is a very important point (Landfall Islands), which needs to be looked after well. Time has come to think. It is good news that our NSA will personally monitor the matter,” government sources said. The NDA government has already given clearance of the setting up of a Radar Station, which will be monitored by the Indian Coast Guard and an air strip (with night landing facility) besides a jetty. The estimate cost to improve the maritime security involving Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and local administration in the first phase will cost approximately Rs 350 Crore.
This would enable monitoring of the Chinese naval activity in the North Andaman Sea and around Coco Islands. Also, it will keep a watch on the presence of drug and arms runners. China has also been successful in establishing its presence in ports around India including Chittagong in Bangladesh, Sittwe and Coco Island in Myanmar, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Gwadar in Pakistan, which gives it capability to stay close to Indian waters from all sides.
Landfall Island is of great strategic importance due to its close proximity to the Malacca Straits, which is the gateway to international trade and commerce in South East Asia. As per statistic over 60,000 ships use the Malacca Straits annually both ways carrying critical energy products and also other items for trade and commerce.
“This is a very important point (Landfall Islands), which needs to be looked after well. Time has come to think. It is good news that our NSA will personally monitor the matter,” government sources said. The NDA government has already given clearance of the setting up of a Radar Station, which will be monitored by the Indian Coast Guard and an air strip (with night landing facility) besides a jetty. The estimate cost to improve the maritime security involving Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and local administration in the first phase will cost approximately Rs 350 Crore.
This would enable monitoring of the Chinese naval activity in the North Andaman Sea and around Coco Islands. Also, it will keep a watch on the presence of drug and arms runners. China has also been successful in establishing its presence in ports around India including Chittagong in Bangladesh, Sittwe and Coco Island in Myanmar, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Gwadar in Pakistan, which gives it capability to stay close to Indian waters from all sides.
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